Man expected to survive after stabbing on Laurel Street, police say

SANTA CRUZ - A man was stabbed on Laurel Street on Saturday night and flown to a Santa Clara County trauma center, police said.

Sunday, officers said the man, described only as Latino, was expected to survive his injuries.

About 10:15 p.m. Saturday, police were called to Laurel and Cedar streets for a report of three men fighting and found a man who had been stabbed in the chest and abdomen, Lt. Warren Barry said.

The man was in the parking lot of an apartment complex around the corner from the police department, next to an ice cream and hamburger restaurant. The victim told officers he was attacked by two Latinos in the parking lot, Barry said.

But his statements conflicted with witness reports, Barry said.

Police found a loaded firearm and blood in a neighboring front yard, and detectives were called to process the scene and conduct follow-up, Barry said.

The assailants were identified only as Latinos about age 18. One wore a grey hooded sweatshirt and one wore a striped shirt, police said.

Police said a person was arrested for driving under the influence after driving through a barricade officers had put up around the crime scene.

Officers ask anyone with information to call investigators at 831-420-5820, or the anonymous tipline at 831-420-5995.